HR 127 — A Resolution recognizing the month of March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

PRINTER'S NO.   997

                  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



           HOUSE RESOLUTION
              No. 127
                                                Session of
                                                  2025

     INTRODUCED BY J.HARRIS, GALLAGHER, KHAN, HARKINS, McNEILL,
        BRENNAN, VENKAT AND PICKETT, MARCH 17, 2025

     REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, MARCH 17, 2025


                                 A RESOLUTION
 1   Recognizing the month of March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer
 2      Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
 3      WHEREAS, Since February 2000, March has been nationally
 4   recognized as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month," dedicated to
 5   raising the profile of this disease and encouraging screening,
 6   specifically highlighting the importance of early detection and
 7   prevention; and
 8      WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly
 9   diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related
10   deaths in both men and women in the United States, making it one
11   of the most lethal forms of cancer nationwide; and
12      WHEREAS, In 2024, Penn State Health reported that in
13   Pennsylvania, approximately 34% of those diagnosed with
14   colorectal cancer die from the disease; and
15      WHEREAS, Penn State Health acknowledges that although rates
16   have decreased overall, they are increasing among adults younger
17   than 55 years of age; and
18      WHEREAS, New recommendations state that people should be
 1   screened starting at 45 years of age rather than 50 years of
 2   age, and the Department of Health also recommends that people
 3   begin screening at 45 years of age; and
 4      WHEREAS, In 2025, it is estimated that 154,000 new cases of
 5   colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States; and
 6      WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable
 7   forms of cancer, as routine screenings can detect precancerous
 8   polyps in the colon or rectum, allowing for polyp removal before
 9   they become cancerous; and
10      WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society and the United States
11   Preventive Services Task Force recommend that individuals 45
12   years of age and older undergo regular colorectal cancer
13   screenings, which could prevent up to 60% of deaths from
14   colorectal cancer; and
15      WHEREAS, Despite the proven effectiveness of colorectal
16   cancer screenings in reducing incidence and mortality, one in
17   three adults over 50 years of age is not up to date with
18   recommended screening guidelines; and
19      WHEREAS, In July 2024, the United States Food and Drug
20   Administration approved the first-ever blood test for colorectal
21   cancer screening, providing a less invasive alternative to
22   traditional screening methods and increasing accessibility to
23   early detection; and
24      WHEREAS, "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" serves as an
25   opportunity to emphasize the importance of routine screenings,
26   raise awareness about risk factors and encourage individuals to
27   adopt healthy lifestyle habits that can lower the risk of
28   developing colorectal cancer; therefore be it
29      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
30   month of March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in

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1   Pennsylvania; and be it further
2      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge all
3   residents of this Commonwealth to join in raising awareness,
4   promoting screenings and supporting efforts to prevent and treat
5   colorectal cancer.




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